Recognition of obstacle distribution via vibrotactile stimulation for the visually disabled

A tactile display is able to help the walking support system of a visually disabled person. A walking guide system must detect an obstacle´s distribution in walking space including hanging and/or protruding obstacles, and provide useful feedback for safe walking. In this study, we investigate the applicability of a tactile display to the walking guide. The obstacle information is transmitted to the palm by tactile stimulation. The three dimensional (3D) detection of an obstacle´s distribution using ultrasonic sensors, the fabrication of a tactile stimulator using vibration motors, and the mapping of the detected results to an array-type tactile stimulator are proposed. An experiment on the recognition of an obstacle´s distribution via tactile stimulation is performed to evaluate the possibility of a walking guide. In the experimental result, the average recognition rate was 95.14 % (5.73, standard error).